Container and device comprising such a container

ABSTRACT

A container with a cover wall, provided with at least one cover wall region which can be pierced to form a supply opening for supplying a liquid, a bottom wall, provided with at least one bottom wall region which can be pierced to form a discharge opening, at least one first chamber, in which a basic product is present, and a second chamber, in which an adjustment element is arranged that can be displaced from a position of rest to a puncturing position opening the piercable bottom wall region. The adjustment element is provided with at least one through-channel with an inlet opening and with an outlet opening opposite the piercable bottom wall region. The adjustment element is provided with a mixing chamber for mixing the liquid and the basic product. The mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the first chamber in the puncturing position of the adjustment element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a container comprising a cover wall, providedwith at least one cover wall region which can be pierced to form asupply opening for supplying a liquid, a bottom wall, provided with atleast one bottom wall region which can be pierced to form a dischargeopening, at least one first chamber, in which a basic product is presenta second chamber, in which an adjustment element is arranged that can bedisplaced from a position of rest to a puncturing position opening thepiercable bottom wall region, wherein the adjustment element is providedwith at least one through-channel with an inlet opening and with anoutlet opening opposite the piercable bottom wall region. The inventionalso relates to a device, in particular a beverage machine, in whichsuch containers are used.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In beverage machines, particularly in coffee machines, disposablecontainers or disposable packaging, for example in capsule form, areused which are sealed by means of one or two foils, and which contain,for example, coffee or other substances, like flavourings, in powder orliquid form. These disposable containers are inserted into the beveragemachine, the contents of the disposable container are combined with aliquid, e.g. water, and this preparation is subsequently dispensed as abeverage that is ready to drink. The used disposable container issubsequently removed from the beverage machine and disposed of.

EP 0 451 980 B1 discloses a sealed packaging containing one or morepowder, pasty or liquid comestible preparation ingredients. Water issupplied to these ingredients through an inlet opening. The finishedpreparation is dispensed through an outlet nozzle in the bottom areathat is provided with a displaceable plug. To dispense the finishedpreparation, the bottom wall of the package, consisting of a foil, ispierced from below in the area of the outlet nozzle by a connectingpiece that is part of the machine, which pushes the plug upwards againstan intermediate wall after entering the outlet nozzle. This intermediatewall has a will section provided with predetermined breaking lines whichis ruptured by the plug, thus releasing the preparation. It flowsdownward out of the packaging through a central flow channel in the plugand subsequently through the connecting piece of the machine.

This packaging has the disadvantage that the bottom outlet has to beopened by the connecting piece of the machine, so that the connectingpiece comes into contact with the finished preparation. To satisfy therigorous hygiene requirements that such a device has to meet nowadays,it is necessary to clean this connecting piece every time before a newpackage is inserted.

US 2004/0115317 A1 describes a cartridge filled with for example, groundcoffee, the bottom wall of which is pierced from the inside. Positionedabove the bottom wall is a cup-shaped intermediate bottom which istermed an internal plunger, the dimensions of the intermediate bottombeing adjusted to the interior dimensions of the cartridge. The powderresides between the intermediate bottom and the cover wall of thecartridge. The intermediate bottom has an outlet nozzle which isembodied as a cutting element. If water is introduced under pressurethrough the cover wall into the interior of the cartridge, theintermediate bottom is pushed downwards, whereby the cutting elementpierces the bottom wall and opens up the outlet.

This cartridge satisfies the hygiene requirements, but the operabilityof the cartridge is not always ensured. It is essential in thisembodiment that the water pressure, and hence the pressure acting on theintermediate bottom, be high enough even from the start of introductionthat the bottom wall can be pierced. Jamming of the displaceableintermediate bottom in the process cannot be ruled out. In addition,since the intermediate bottom has a multitude of openings, liquid maypenetrate the space between the bottom wail and the intermediate bottom,due to which the pressure on the intermediate bottom after the beginningof the feeding process can be reduced relatively rapidly, and because ofthis the bottom wall cannot be pierced reliably any more.

Known from WO 2008/132571 are capsules containing certain amounts of asoluble beverage. The capsule has a cover foil which is perforated inthe beverage machine by a connecting piece through which a solventliquid under pressure, for example water, is led to the interior of thecapsule.

The capsule is subdivided essentially into four chambers. The liquidsupplied is first fed into a distribution chamber and from there ledinto a storage chamber, where the quantity of the soluble beverage ispresent. In this storage chamber, the soluble beverage mixes with theliquid supplied and the beverage prepared is subsequently collected in acollection chamber, from where it is dispensed through an opening in thebottom wall of the capsule.

A displaceable perforator for opening the bottom wall is positioned in acentral chamber of the capsule, the perforator being pressed against thebottom wall by the connecting piece such that the bottom wall is tornopen.

A through-channel positioned inside the perforator is aligned with theoutlet opening of the collection chamber in the process, so that theliquid prepared can be dispensed downwards from the capsule.

This capsule, however, has the disadvantage that complicated built-inparts are required to separate the different chambers. A distributionchamber positioned before the storage chamber is required to lead theliquid into the storage chamber as uniformly as possible and toguarantee homogeneous mixing in the storage chamber. With this method itcannot be ruled out that part of the soluble beverage will initially bedispensed unmixed or highly concentrated. Even the collection chamberprovided for homogenisation purposes cannot wholly rule out thisdisadvantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a container that has asimple construction, functions reliably and guarantees a homogeneous endproduct. It is also an object of the invention to provide a device, inparticular a beverage machine, in which such a container can be used.

This problem is solved with a container in which the adjustment elementis provided with a mixing chamber for mixing the liquid and the basicproduct, wherein the mixing chamber is in fluid communication with thechamber in the puncturing position of the adjustment element.

The container is configured such that the liquid and the basic productare first combined in the mixing chamber.

The term container is understood to mean reusable containers andpackaging as well as disposable containers and packaging.

Moving the mixing chamber into the adjustment element has the advantagethat the basic product in the first chamber can be continuously added tothe liquid, leading to a homogeneous end product. The mixing of basicproduct and liquid, particularly the admixing of the basic product inproportion to volume, does not take place in the first chamber, wherethe basic product is, but in a separate mixing chamber, which ispositioned downstream of the first chamber.

Arranging the mixing chamber inside the adjustment element has theadditional advantage that, due to the displaceability of the adjustmentelement, the mixing chamber can be made accessible to the basic productonly at the time of use. The basic product remains captured in the firstchamber up until the time of use.

Especially when the basic product, like syrup for example, has atendency to agglutinate, the mixing chamber and passages, openings orconnection channels, as the case may be are kept away from the basicproduct, which could otherwise impair the operability of, for example,the adjustment element.

The formation of only two chambers inside the container simplifies thedesign and production of the container.

The two chambers are preferably delimited by a common cover wall and acommon bottom wall.

The only movable component is the adjustment element, which ispreferably constructed in the shape of a piston or tube. The adjustmentelement is preferably arranged in the second chamber in a slidinglyand/or sealingly guided manner.

The through-channel of the adjustment element is provided with an inletopening, which is preferably arranged opposite the piercable cover wallregion. In this embodiment a linear through-channel is created, whichpreferably extends vertically through the adjustment element.

Inlet and outlet opening are positioned in an opposing manner on theadjustment element. The liquid flowing through this through-channelforms the main flow, into which the basic product is led, preferablysideways, as a secondary flow.

The term piercable is understood to mean that the wall region inquestion can be opened in any way. The opening of the wall region mayfor example take place through incising or cutting open, pricking,puncturing or tearing.

Preferably, the adjustment element is movable from the position of restto the puncturing position using a connecting and dispensing means,which may be a combined connecting and dispensing means. Such connectingand dispensing means are components of a device into which the containercan be inserted. Such a device may be a beverage machine, wherein theconnecting and dispensing means may be, for example, a connecting piece.The cover wall of the container is opened by means of such a connectingand dispensing means, which is preferably provided with at least onecutting and/or poking device.

The liquid can be supplied to the mixing chamber of the adjustmentelement by means of the connecting and dispensing means. The liquid isthereby preferably introduced initially into the through-channel of theadjustment element, from where the liquid reaches the mixing chamber.The liquid is preferably transported to the connecting and dispensingmeans, for example by means of a liquid pump. This liquid pump ispreferably designed for high flow rates and low pressures. The liquid isthen supplied to the connecting and dispensing means under almost nopressure.

The embodiment of the adjustment element with through-channel and mixingchamber has the additional advantage that the liquid, which isintroduced from the outside via the connecting and dispensing means thatis part of the machine, can also be fed under no pressure, i.e. withoutadditional pressure apart from the hydrostatic pressure. Inside thecontainer, and particularly inside the adjustment element, there are noobstacles which could under certain circumstances lead to congestion, sothat the liquid can flow unobstructed through the container. Thediameter of the through-channel of the adjustment element is preferablylarger than or equal to the diameter of the channel of the connectingand dispensing means. The liquid introduced from the outside is fed intothe adjustment element and then mixed with the basic product in themixing chamber of the adjustment element. The finished product isdispensed from the adjustment element.

To lead the basic product out of the first chamber and supply it to themixing chamber of the adjustment element, the first chamber is providedwith means for supplying a pressurising gas. These means may facilitatedirect or indirect supply of the pressurising gas into the firstchamber. Air is preferably used as the pressurising gas which can beintroduced into the first chamber.

Air at atmospheric pressure is also understood to be a pressurising gas.Depending on the consistency of the basic product, it may be sufficientwhen the container is used to just open the first chamber, e.g. bypricking, so that air can flow into the first chamber and the basicproduct can, for example, drain away from the first chamber.

It is preferred to lead a gas with a pressure above atmospheric pressureinto the first chamber. For this purpose, the associated device ispreferably provided with a compressed gas pump.

By expelling the basic product out of the first chamber using apressurising gas it is possible to regulate the amount of basic productfed into the mixing chamber of the adjustment element independently ofthe flow rate of the liquid. In this way it is possible to regulate theamount of basic product fed into the mixing chamber and hence to set theconcentration of the basic product in the finished product in a targetedmanner.

The leading of the basic product out of the first chamber is independentof the pressure and speed of the liquid. Leading the liquid through theadjustment element is decoupled from leading the basic product out.

Preferably at least one chamber wall in which at least one connectionopening is provided is arranged between the first chamber and the secondchamber. The basic product is fed through the connection opening intothe second chamber where the movable adjustment element with the mixingchamber is located. According to one embodiment, the amount of basicproduct dispensed per unit of time can be set via the size of thecross-section of the connection opening and/or the number of connectionopenings. Depending on the type of basic product and/or the pressure ofthe pressurising gas, the setting of the quantity per unit of time canthus additionally be effected via the connection opening.

The connection opening is preferably positioned adjacent the bottom wallof the first chamber. This has the advantage that if possible, noresidues of the basic product remain in the first chamber and that thebasic product is dispensed completely. The bottom wall of the firstchamber is preferably identical to the bottom wall of the disposablecontainer.

The adjustment element may close off the connection opening in itsposition of rest, and open up the connection opening in its puncturingposition. This has the advantage that the basic product is kept capturedin the first chamber until the time of use of the container, and thatthe basic product cannot unintentionally enter the second chamber. Onlywhen the container is inserted and used e.g. in a beverage machine, andthe adjustment element is moved into its puncturing position, which maybe effected, for example, by a connecting piece that is, part of themachine, is the connection opening opened up. The basic product is ledfrom the first chamber and supplied to the mixing chamber of theadjustment element, there being different embodiments as far as theconfiguration of the mixing chamber is concerned.

In a first embodiment, a section of the through-channel forms the mixingchamber. In this case, the basic product is introduced at a location inthe through-channel, where the mixing then takes place. For thispurpose, the adjustment element is preferably provided with at least oneconnection channel, which leads into the mixing chamber, wherein theinlet opening of the connection channel is positioned opposite theconnection opening in the puncturing position of the adjustment element.

In a further embodiment, the connection channel comprises an annulargroove or annular channel in the outer surface of the adjustmentelement. Such an annular groove is preferably used for distributing thebasic product around the through-channel and supplying it from there tothe through-channel via two or more connection channels. In thisembodiment as well, a section of the through-channel forms the mixingchamber.

Instead of by means of the size of the cross-section of the connectionopening and/or the number of connection openings with theircross-section sizes, the amount of basic product led out of the firstchamber per unit time may, in another embodiment, be set via the size ofthe cross-section of the connection channel and/or the number ofconnection channels with their cross-section sizes. This embodiment hasthe advantage that containers with uniform connection openings can beused and that the dosing can be implemented via adjustment elements withdifferent connection channels.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the mixing chamber may bepositioned adjacent the through-channel. The mixing chamber may bedirectly adjacent the through-channel or connected to it viathrough-channels. In this embodiment, the mixing takes placesubstantially in this mixing chamber, wherein a section of thethrough-channel can also participate in the mixing.

In this embodiment, the liquid can flow from the through-channel intothe mixing chamber, and there intermix with the basic product which hasbeen introduced.

The mixing chamber has to be dimensioned accordingly to allow for theinflow of the liquid out of the through-channel into the mixing chamber.Preferably, the mixing chamber can be constructed in such a way that itsurrounds the through-channel at least partially. Particularlypreferably, the mixing chamber is an annular chamber.

In the puncturing position of the adjustment element, the mixing chamberis preferably positioned opposite the connection opening in the chamberwall.

To make possible an inflow of liquid into this adjacent mixing chamber,the latter is preferably connected to the through-channel via windows.Depending on the liquid and the basic product, the size of the windowshas to be chosen in such a way as to guarantee the inflow of the liquidinto the mixing chamber.

The first chamber is preferably provided with means for introducing apressurising gas into the first chamber.

The means for introducing a pressurising gas preferably comprise atleast one piercable cover wall region in the area of the first chamber.This piercable cover wall region can be pricked, for example, with aneedle or something similar so that air can stream into the firstchamber, or punctured by a connecting and dispensing means of a beveragemachine, so that a supply opening is formed. The pressurising gas can besupplied directly to the first chamber in this embodiment.

In accordance with a different embodiment, the means for introducing apressurising gas comprises at least one inlet opening in the chamberwall. According to this embodiment, the cover wall in the region of thefirst chamber remains closed. The pressurising gas can be introduced,for example, via a connecting and dispensing means which that part ofthe machine, through which the liquid is also supplied to the container.In this embodiment the pressurising gas is introduced into the secondchamber and from there into the first chamber via the inlet opening inthe chamber wall. This embodiment has the advantage that a pressureconnection element that is part of the machine cannot come into contactwith the basic product in supplying the pressurising gas, and that highhygiene requirements can thus be met.

Both the connection opening and the inlet opening in the chamber wallcan be formed as channels, for example if the chamber wall isthick-walled.

The inlet opening is preferably arranged adjacent the cover wall. Since,for reasons to do with the filling process, complete filling of thefirst chamber should not take place, a free space remains between thebasic product and the cover wall. The pressurising gas can therefore beintroduced into this free space.

Preferably, the adjustment element closes off the inlet opening in itsposition of rest and opens up the inlet opening in its puncturingposition. This has the advantage that the basic product is kept capturedin the first chamber up to the time of use of the container and cannotenter the second chamber unintentionally. Only when the disposablecontainer is used and the adjustment element is moved into itspuncturing position, which may be effected, for example, by a connectingpiece which is part of the machine, is the inlet opening opened tointroduce the pressurising gas into the first chamber.

The adjustment element is preferably provided with at least one passagefor pressurising gas. In this embodiment the pressurising gas isinitially introduced into the adjustment element and then led from therethrough the passage for pressurising gas and the inlet opening in thechamber wall into the first chamber. Especially in case of pressurisinggas at a high pressure, improved sealing between adjustment element andpressurising gas connection can be achieved.

In the puncturing position of the adjustment element, the passage forpressurising gas is preferably positioned opposite the inlet opening inthe chamber wall.

The first chamber is preferably only partially filled with the basicproduct. In this way, a free space remains between basic product andcover wall, into which the pressurising gas can be introduced.

The first chamber is preferably filled with the basic product up tobelow the inlet opening through which the pressurising gas isintroduced.

The cover wall is preferably provided with a foil in at least thepiercable cover wall region. The foil is preferably a sealing foil whichtightly seals the interior of the container so that the basic productcannot egress. This foil can be opened with a cutting and/or pokingdevice, e.g. a connecting piece which is part of the machine. The foilis thereby cut or torn open, for example, whereby a supply opening iscreated in the foil, through which the liquid and/or the pressurisinggas can be led into the interior of the container.

In a further embodiment, the cover wall can be provided with a coverplate which has at least one predetermined breaking line in at least thepiercable cover wall region. Such a cover plate can be used instead of afoil and is also opened at the designated place or places withpredetermined breaking lines using a cutting and/or poking device. Aplatelet is thereby punched out of the cover plate, wherein the plateletpreferably remains connected via a hinge-like section to the cover plateeven after opening. Dropping off of the platelet into the interior ofthe container is thereby avoided. The interior is thus not contaminatedby the platelet. Accidental blocking of flow openings in the chamberwall by platelets falling down can also be prevented effectively in thisway.

Advantageously, the bottom wall is also provided with a foil in at leastthe piercable area. This foil is preferably positioned in the region ofthe second chamber in which the adjustment element is movably arranged.The adjustment element is preferably pushed downwards by a connectingpiece which is part of the machine, and opens the foil by means of itscutting and/or poking device. In this way, the discharge opening isformed in the bottom wall.

The cutting and/or poking device of the adjustment element is preferablyformed in such a way that no parts of the foil are cut out or can tearoff, which could drop into the collection container, e.g. a beaker orsomething similar, which is provided below the container, e.g. in abeverage machine. Such a cutting and/or poking device can also beprovided with the connecting and dispensing means.

Just like the cover wall, the bottom wall can be provided with a bottomplate which has at least one predetermined breaking line in at least thepiercable bottom wall region. In this embodiment, just as described inconnection with a cover wall, it can advantageously be provided that thebroken-out platelet remains connected with the bottom plate.

The adjustment element is preferably provided at the end adjacent thecover wall with connecting means, capable of cooperating with aconnecting piece which is part of the machine. The connecting pieceengages the adjustment element at its connecting means and moves theadjustment element from its resting position to its puncturing position.A liquid is thereby also introduced into the through-channel of theadjustment element by means of the connecting piece. A pressurising gascan also be introduced via this connecting piece.

The connecting means of the adjustment element is preferably providedwith an inlet piece and a sealing seat positioned inside the inletpiece. This sealing seat can be constructed as an annular bead. Thesealing seat is required to enable the liquid to flow into thethrough-channel without any loss. The cross-section of the channel ofthe connecting piece is preferably the same as the cross-section of thethrough-channel in the adjustment element.

A basic product is understood to mean a powder and/or liquid product,which may consist of one or more components. The basic product may, forexample, be a syrup, a concentrate or an extract. The basic product ismixable with the externally supplied liquid, and is preferably solublein the liquid.

The basic product may be a foodstuff, a nutritional supplement, adietary foodstuff, a pharmaceutical product or a cleaning agent.

The type of liquid is selected in dependence on the type of basicproduct. The associated device in which the container can be used isdesigned and equipped to suit the respective intended use.

Preferably this device is a beverage machine in which containers,particularly disposable containers, can be used, with the contents ofwhich, for example, drinking water can be altered in taste.

The device is provided with a receiving part for a container and aconnecting and dispensing means with which the container is piercable,and with which at least a liquid can be supplied to the container.

The connecting and dispensing means is preferably constructed forsupplying both liquid and pressurising gas. The device is preferablyprovided with a liquid tank from which the liquid can be transported ordrained and supplied to the connecting and dispensing means when needed.The device is also provided with a compression device, e.g. a pump, forproviding a pressurising gas, particularly compressed air.

The container and/or the adjustment element are preferably made ofplastic. Manufacturing may be by injection moulding. The container withits peripheral wall, chamber wall and bottom wall can be manufactured inone piece, wherein the bottom wall may be formed entirely or partiallyon the single-piece container.

The two components, container and adjustment element, are combined, thecontainer is filled, and it is subsequently sealed, for example, withsealing foils as cover wall and/or bottom wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are further detailed below with reference to thedrawings. Herein:

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a container,

FIG. 2 a bottom perspective view of a container according to FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 a cross-section of the container according to FIGS. 1 and 2,together with a connecting piece which is part of the machine,

FIG. 4 the embodiment of a container shown in FIG. 3 with insertedconnecting piece,

FIGS. 5-6 another embodiment of a container with a connecting piece,

FIGS. 7-8 another embodiment of a container with connecting piece,

FIG. 9 a side view of an adjustment element in accordance with a furtherembodiment,

FIG. 10 a cross-section of the adjustment element shown in FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 a schematic view of a beverage machine with container andconnecting piece, and

FIG. 12 shows the beverage machine shown in FIG. 11 with insertedconnecting piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIGS. 1 and 2, a container 10 that is preferably used as a disposablecontainer is shown in two perspective views. The container 10 isprovided with a cover wall 40, a peripheral wall 30 and a bottom wall50. In the embodiment shown here, the cover wall 40 consists of a foil41 which is attached to an annular bead 32 of the peripheral wall 30.

The bottom wall 50 consists of a ring plate 52 and a centrallypositioned foil 54. Both the cover wall 40 and the bottom wall 50 or thefoil 54 are provided with a piercable wall region 43, 56.

The bottom wall 50 is additionally provided with two annular ribs 60 andwith radial ribs 62 between the two annular ribs 60.

FIG. 3 shows a vertical cross-section of the container 10 shown in FIGS.1 and 2, wherein only one annular rib 60 and no radial ribs 62 aredisplayed.

The interior of the container 10 is subdivided into a first chamber 12and a second chamber 18. In the embodiment shown here, the chamber 18 isarranged centrally and surrounded by the annular first chamber 12. Thisparticular arrangement is rotationally symmetrical. Other embodiments,such as asymmetrical arrangements, are also possible. The two chambersare separated by a chamber wall 20. The peripheral wall 30, the ringplate 52, the annular rib 60 and the chamber wall 20 are manufactured inone piece, for example by injection moulding.

A basic product 14, which can consist of a consumable liquid, is presentin the first chamber 12. Above the surface level of the basic productthere is a free space 16 containing air or a protective gas. Anadjustment element 100, which is in its position of rest in FIG. 3, ispresent in the second chamber 18.

Above the container 10 there is shown, also in cross-section, aconnecting piece 200, which can be moved in the direction of the arrowfrom an upper to a lower position along an axis 104, and which canpenetrate the second chamber 18. By means of this connecting piece 200,the adjustment element 100 is moved downwards so that it can puncturethe foil 54 of the bottom wall 50. The axis 104 also forms thelongitudinal axes of the connecting piece 200 and the adjustment element100.

The container 10 is provided with a cover wall 40, which consists of afoil 41. This foil 41 is sealingly mounted on the annular collar 32 ofthe peripheral wall 30 and on the annular collar 22 of the chamber wall20, so that the chambers 12 and 18, and thus the content of thecontainer, i.e. the basic product 14, are hermetically sealed. The coverwall 40 is provided with the piercable cover wall region 43 in theregion of the second chamber 18.

The bottom wall 50 comprises the ring plate 52 with an annular rib 60,to the end face of which the foil 54, which also has a piercable wallregion 56 in the region of the second chamber 18, is attached. Theadjustment element 100 located in the second chamber 18 has a base body102 that is formed in the shape of a piston or tube, and which issubdivided into an upper section 192 and a lower section 194. The outersurface 103 of the adjustment element 100 is sealingly fitted againstthe chamber wall 20. The adjustment element 100, which is in itsposition of rest, abuts the annular collar 22 of the chamber wall 20with the end faces of its upper section 192.

Located in the centre of the adjustment element 100 is a through-channel170 which has an inlet opening 171 and an outlet opening 179. Thethrough-channel 170 has a connection section 178 below the inlet opening171, the connection section comprising a first section of largerdiameter 178 a and a second section of larger diameter 178 b. Theconnecting piece 200 engages in this connection section 178 (cf. FIG.4), wherein the first section 178 a facilitates insertion.

This connection section 178 transitions via a transition section 177,which forms a sealing seat 198, into the upper section 172 of thethrough-channel 170, which has a smaller diameter compared to theconnection section 178. This is followed by a section forming the mixingchamber 176, and then by the lower section 174. The sections 172,174 and176 all have the same diameter.

In the horizontal direction, two connection channels 180 with inletopening 182 and outlet opening 184 are formed in the adjustment element100, the connection channels extending from the outer surface 103 to themixing chamber 176 in the through-channel 170. The basic product is fedinto the through-channel 170 and thus into the mixing chamber 176 viathese connection channels 180. This will be explained in more detail inconnection with FIG. 4. The connection channels 180 are located betweenthe upper section 192 and the lower section 194 of the adjustmentelement 100.

A cutting and/or poking device 110 is positioned at the lower end of theadjustment element 100 in the region of the outlet opening 179, thecutting and/or poking device being constructed as a tip in theembodiment shown here.

Connection openings 24 are located in the chamber wall 20 adjacent tothe bottom wall 50, which connection openings connect the first with thesecond chamber. In the position of rest of the adjustment element 100displayed in FIG. 3, these connection openings 24 are closed by thelower section 194 of the adjustment element 100. As can be seen in FIG.4, these connection openings 24 are opened in the puncturing position ofthe adjustment element 100 so that these connection openings 24 alignwith the opposing inlet openings 182 of the connection channels 180,which allows the basic product 14 located in the first chamber 12 todrain away.

Located in the upper area of the chamber wall 20 below the cover wall 40are inlet openings 26, through which a pressurising gas can beintroduced into the free space 16 located above the basic product 14 inthe first chamber 12. These inlet openings 26 are also closed by theupper section 192 of the adjustment element 100 in the resting positionof the adjustment element 100 and opened in the puncturing position(FIG. 4), so that a pressurising liquid can be introduced.

The connecting piece 200 is provided with a flange part 202, the flangepart having a top side 204 and a bottom side 206. The connecting piece200 also has a tube part 208 protruding from the flange part 202, thetube part having at its bottom end another cutting and/or poking device210 in the form of a conical tip. The connecting piece 200 has a firstthrough-channel 212 through which a liquid can flow, the liquid coming,for example, from a storage tank, not shown. Adjacent the firstthrough-channel 212, a second through channel 214, through which apressurising gas can be introduced is located in the flange part.Sealing elements 220 in the lower area of the flange part 202 areprovided for sealing purposes.

FIG. 4 shows the puncturing position of the adjustment element 100. Whenthe connecting piece 200 of the machine is moved downwards in thedirection of the arrows, the cutting and/or poking device 210 piercesthe cover wall 40 in the area of the piercable section 43 of foil 41,whereby a supply opening 46 is formed. The tube part 208 engages in theconnection section 178 of the adjustment element 100 and fits againstthe sealing seat 198. The two through-channels 212 and 170 have the samediameter and are in alignment with one another.

With the piercing of the cover wall 40, the foil 41 is upped open andthe foil ends 41 a,b protrude into the second chamber 18.

The adjustment element 100 cuts through the foil 54, whereby thedischarge opening 59 and the foil ends 54 a,b, which also depend fromthe fixed part of the foil 54, are formed. In both, cases no tearing offof pieces of foil that could contaminate the interior of container 10 ordrop into a vessel situated under the container 10 occurs.

The two connection channels 180 are at the level of the connectionopenings 24, so that the basic product 14 from the first chamber 12 canenter the connection channels 180 and subsequently reach the mixingchamber 176. Mixing of the basic product 14 with the liquid introducedvia the through-channel 212 and the upper section 172 of thethrough-channel 170 takes place in the mixing chamber 176. This liquidsupplied from above forms the main flow to which the basic product issupplied as a secondary flow. The mixing chamber 176 defines the areawhere the two flows are brought together. Both components subsequentlyflow into the lower section 174 of the through-channel, where furthermixing of the two components can take place.

To expel the basic product out of the first chamber 12, a pressurisinggas, for example air, is introduced into the second chamber 18 via thesecond through-channel 214 of the connecting piece 200. The sealingelements 220 rest on top of the cover wall 40. The pressurising gasflows from the second chamber 18 through the inlet opening 26 into thefree space 16 and expels the basic product 14 downwards (see arrows) andthrough the connection openings 24. Through regulation of thepressurising gas it is possible to regulate the quantity fed through theconnection openings 24 into the connection channels 180, so that theconcentration of the basic product in the liquid can be set.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show another embodiment in which the bottom wall 50 isadditionally provided with annular ribs 60. The chamber wall furtherpossesses a shoulder 28, so that the second chamber 18 has an uppersection of smaller diameter 29 a and a lower section of larger diameter29 b. The outer diameter of the adjustment element 100 present in thesecond chamber is adapted to this embodiment of the chamber wall 20. Theadjustment element 100 thus possesses a shoulder 109 that iscomplementary to the shoulder 28, the shoulder 109 serving as a stopwhen the adjustment element 100 is inserted into the second chamber 12.

In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjustmentelement 100 is provided with passages for pressurising fluid 160 and anouter annular groove 162 or annular channel in the connection section178. In the position of rest displayed in FIG. 5, the passages forpressurising fluid 160 are located above the inlet opening 26, which aredosed by the inlet piece 196 of the adjustment element 100. Apart fromthe first through-channel 212, the connecting piece 200—just like in theembodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4—has a second through-channel 214 for thepressurising fluid, which is provided at its bottom end with an annulargroove 215 or annular channel through which the pressurising fluid isdischarged in a horizontal direction. When, as shown in FIG. 6, theconnecting piece 200 engages at the adjustment element 100, the annulargroove 215 is positioned opposite the passages for pressurising fluid160, whilst the passages and/or the annular groove 162 are positionedopposite the inlet openings 26, so that the pressurising fluid can beintroduced into the first chamber 12.

The adjustment element 100 possesses an annular channel, in particularan annular groove 186, which is connected with the through-channel 170via two connection channels 180. It is also possible for just oneconnection channel 180 or more than two connection channels 180 to beprovided. Because the cross-section of the connection channel 180 or thesum of the cross-sections of the connection channels 180 is smaller thanthe sum of the cross-sections of the connection openings 24, the dosingof the basic product 14 introduced into the through-channel 170, andhence the mixing chamber 176, takes place via the connection channels180. The annular groove 186 has the advantage that the adjustmentelement 100 does not need to be aligned with respect to the connectionopenings 24 on insertion into the second chamber 12.

The puncturing position of the adjustment element 100 is shown in FIG.6.

A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, differing from the embodimentsdescribed so far, in that the cover wall 40 does not consist of a foil,but of the cover plate 42. The foil located in the bottom wall 50 hasalso been replaced by a corresponding bottom plate 55.

This cover plate 42 is provided with two piercable cover wall regions 43and 47 which are delimited by predetermined breaking lines 44. Thebottom plate 55 is also provided with a piercable area 56 withpredetermined breaking lines 58.

The connecting piece 200 is modified insofar as the secondthrough-channel 214 for introducing the pressurising gas is positionedlaterally with respect to the tube part 208 in a tube part 209 with acutting and/or poking device 211. If the connecting piece 200—as shownin FIG. 6—is lowered, the tube part 208 engages the connection section178 of the adjustment element 100, wherein the piercable cover wallregion 43 is punctured. A platelet 45 is thereby punched out, whichremains hanging from the cover plate 42 due to its hinge-likeconnection.

The tube part 209 with the cutting and/or poking device 211 puncturesthe piercable cover wall region 47 in the area of the first chamber 12and similarly punches a platelet 45 out of the cover wall plate 42,which also remains hanging from the cover plate 42. The pressurising gasis introduced directly into the chamber 12 through the supply opening 48created in this way via the second through-channel 214. The downwardmovement of the adjustment element 100 also punctures the bottom wall inthe area of the piercable bottom wall region 56, thereby also releasinghere a platelet 57, which remains hanging from the bottom plate 56.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a further embodiment of the adjustment element 100,in which the mixing chamber 176 is arranged adjacent the through-channel170. It can be seen in FIG. 9 that the upper and lower sections 192, 194of the adjustment element 100 are respectively formed by an upper andlower cylinder, wherein the cutting and/or poking device 110 ispositioned on the underside of the lower cylinder 194. The two cylindersare connected to each other via three bars 190, between which windows188 are formed. The windows 188 have cross-sections which are clearlylarger than the cross-sections of the connection opening 24, so that theliquid flowing in from above can enter this area and thus fill themixing chamber 176. The basic product 14 introduced via the connectionopening 24 of the chamber wall 20 thus enters this mixing chamber 176directly, and is subsequently dispensed downwards through the lowersection of the through-channel 170. The mixing with the liquid can alsobe continued in the through-channel 170, depending on the consistency ofthe basic product.

Inside the upper cylinder 192, an inlet piece 196 with an annular bead197 facing inwards is positioned in the connection section 178 as aconnecting means, the inlet piece forming the sealing seat 198 for theconnecting piece (not shown).

The upper section 192 of the adjustment element 100 has two sealingbeads 120, 122 located, respectively, at the upper end and the lower endat the outer surface 103 adjacent to the mixing chamber 176. The lowersection 194 also has two sealing beads 124, 126 at the outer surface103, located adjacent to the mixing chamber 176 and at the lower end,respectively.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a beverage machine 300 in which acontainer 10—shown in exaggerated size—is inserted into a receivingdevice 340. The beverage machine 300 has a housing 310 and is subdividedinto a first housing part 320 and a second housing part 330 which isarranged laterally. Positioned above the container 10 is a connectingand dispensing means 200 a in the form of a connecting piece 200, whichis movably arranged inside the beverage machine 300. Underneath thecontainer 10 there is a vessel 345.

In FIG. 11, a container 10 and a connecting piece 200 as described inconnection with FIGS. 5 and 6 are shown. The connecting piece 200 isconnected to a storage tank 350 in the second housing part 330, inwhich, for example, water 354 is present. This water is supplied to theconnecting piece 200 via a connecting line 352 and as the case may be afiltration device 356, by means of a liquid pump 355.

In addition, a pressurising gas line 360 is provided which has acompressed gas pump 362, the compressed gas pump drawing air from theoutside. The connecting line 352 is attached to the through-channel 212of the connecting piece 200 and the pressurising gas channel isconnected to the through-channel 214 of the connecting piece.

The connecting piece 200 is guided in a tubular guide element 322 andmoved in a vertical direction by means of an actuation device, notshown. The lines 352 and 360 have flexible sections 353 and 361.

When the connecting piece 200 has been inserted into the container 10,as shown in FIG. 12, air is introduced via the pressurising gas line andthe basic product 14 is expelled out of the first chamber 12 so that itreaches the mixing chamber 176. The finished product is dispenseddownwardly and collected by the vessel 345.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10 disposable container-   12 first chamber-   14 basic product-   16 free space-   18 second chamber-   20 chamber wail-   22 annular collar-   24 connection opening-   26 inlet opening-   28 shoulder-   29 a section of smaller diameter-   29 b section of smaller diameter-   30 peripheral wall-   32 annular collar-   40 cover wall-   41 foil-   41 a,b foil end-   42 cover plate-   43 piercable cover wall region-   44 predetermined breaking line-   45 platelet-   46 supply opening-   47 piercable cover wall region-   48 supply opening-   50 bottom wall-   52 ring plate-   54 foil-   54 a,b foil end-   55 bottom plate-   56 piercable bottom wall region-   57 platelet-   58 predetermined breaking line-   59 discharge opening-   60 annular rib-   62 radial rib-   100 adjustment element-   102 base body-   103 outer surface-   104 axis-   106 first end-   108 second end-   109 shoulder-   110 cutting and/or poking device-   120 sealing bead-   122 sealing bed-   124 sealing bead-   126 sealing bead-   160 passage for pressurising gas-   162 annular groove-   170 through-channel-   171 inlet opening-   172 upper section-   174 lower section-   176 mixing chamber-   177 transition section-   178 connection section-   178 a first section of large diameter-   178 b second section of large diameter-   179 outlet opening-   180 connection channel-   182 inlet opening-   184 outlet opening-   186 annular groove, annular channel-   188 window-   190 bar-   192 upper section-   194 lower section-   198 sealing seat-   200 connecting piece-   200 a connecting and dispensing means-   202 flange part-   204 top side-   206 bottom side-   208 tube part-   209 tube part-   210 cutting and/or poking device-   211 cutting and/or poking device-   212 first through-channel-   214 second through-channel-   215 annular groove-   220 sealing element-   300 beverage machine-   310 housing-   320 first housing part-   322 tubular guide element-   330 second housing part-   340 receiving device-   345 vessel-   350 storage tank-   352 connecting line-   353 flexible section-   354 water-   355 liquid pump-   356 filtration device-   360 pressurising gas line-   361 flexible section-   362 compressed gas pump

What is claimed is:
 1. A container, comprising: a cover wall, providedwith at least one cover wall region which can be pierced to form asupply opening for supplying a liquid, a bottom wall, provided with atleast one bottom wall region which can be pierced to form a dischargeopening, at least one first chamber, in which a basic product ispresent, a second chamber, in which an adjustment element is arrangedthat can be displaced from a position of rest to a puncturing positionopening the piercable bottom wall region, wherein the adjustment elementis provided with at least one through-channel with an inlet opening andwith an outlet opening opposite the piercable bottom wall region,wherein the adjustment element is provided with a mixing chamber formixing the liquid and the basic product, and wherein the mixing chamberis in fluid communication with the first chamber in the puncturingposition of the adjustment element.
 2. The container according to claim1, wherein the through-channel of the adjustment element is providedwith an inlet opening which is arranged opposite the piercable coverwall region.
 3. The container according to claim 1, wherein theadjustment element is movable from the position of rest to thepuncturing position by means of a connecting and dispensing means. 4.The container according to claim 3, wherein the liquid can be suppliedto the mixing chamber of the adjustment element by means of theconnecting and dispensing means.
 5. The container according to claim 1,wherein at least one chamber wall is arranged between the first chamberand the second chamber, in which at least one connection opening isprovided.
 6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the adjustmentelement closes of the connection opening in its position of rest andopens up the connection opening in its puncturing position.
 7. Thecontainer according to claim 1, wherein a section of the through-channelforms the mixing chamber.
 8. The container according to claim 1, whereinthe mixing chamber is arranged adjacent the through-channel.
 9. Thecontainer according to claim 1, wherein the first chamber is providedwith means for introducing pressurising gas into the first chamber. 10.The container according to claim 9, wherein the means for introducing apressurising gas comprises at least one piercable cover wall region inthe region of the first chamber.
 11. The container according to claim 9,wherein the means for introducing a pressurising gas comprises at leastone inlet opening in the chamber wall.
 12. The container according toclaim 11, wherein the adjustment element closes off the inlet opening inits position of rest and opens up the inlet opening in its puncturingposition.
 13. The container according to claim 1, wherein the adjustmentelement is provided with at least one passage for pressurising gas. 14.A device, including a receiving device for receiving the containeraccording to claim 1, with at least one connecting and dispensing meanswith which the container is piercable and with which at least one liquidcan be supplied to the container.
 15. The device according to claim 14,wherein the connecting and dispensing means is formed for supply ofliquids and pressurising gas.
 16. A container, comprising: a cover wall,provided with at least one cover wall region which can be pierced toform a supply opening for supplying a liquid, a bottom wall, providedwith at least one bottom wall region which can be pierced to form adischarge opening, at least one first chamber, in which a basic productis present, a second chamber, in which an adjustment element is arrangedthat can be displaced from a position of rest to a puncturing positionopening the piercable bottom wall region, wherein at least one chamberwall is arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber, inwhich at least one connection opening is provided, wherein theadjustment element is provided with at least one through-channel with aninlet opening and with an outlet opening opposite the piercable bottomwall region, wherein the adjustment element is provided with a mixingchamber for mixing the liquid and the basic product, wherein the mixingchamber is in fluid communication with the first chamber in thepuncturing position of the adjustment element, and wherein theadjustment element closes off the connection opening in its position ofrest and opens up the connection opening in its puncturing position. 17.The container according to claim 16, wherein the mixing chamber liesopposite the connection opening in the chamber wall in the puncturingposition.
 18. The container according to claim 16, wherein theadjustment element is provided with at least one connection channel,which leads into the mixing chamber, wherein an inlet opening of theconnection channel lies opposite the connection opening in thepuncturing position of the adjustment element.